Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) is a special liquid used by eye doctors during longer eye surgeries to protect the delicate tissues inside your eye.
| Drug class | Irrigating Solution |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Intraocular Irrigation |
| Common strength | N/A |
| Common Indian brands | BSS Plus |
| Prescription status | Prescription (hospital use) |
What Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) is used for
Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) is a specialized solution used during eye surgeries. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of your eye’s internal structures during longer procedures.
- Intraocular irrigation with endothelial protection (longer surgeries)
How it works
During eye surgery, it’s important to keep the eye’s internal environment stable and protected. Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) is designed to do just that. It’s a physiological solution, meaning it’s very similar to the natural fluids in your body and eye. What makes BSS Plus special is that it contains important ingredients like bicarbonate and glutathione. These components work together to provide extra protection to the delicate tissues inside your eye, especially the corneal endothelium. The corneal endothelium is a vital layer of cells at the back of your cornea (the clear front part of your eye) that helps keep it transparent. By continuously irrigating the eye with BSS Plus during surgery, these protective ingredients help to safeguard these sensitive tissues from potential damage, ensuring a smoother recovery and better surgical outcome, particularly in longer operations.
How it’s used
Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) is not a medicine you would use at home. It is a specialized solution used exclusively by ophthalmologists (eye surgeons) in a hospital or clinic setting during eye surgery. During your eye operation, the surgeon will use BSS Plus for continuous irrigation. This means the solution is gently flowed through your eye throughout the surgical procedure. This continuous flow helps to keep the surgical field clear, wash away any debris, and most importantly, provide ongoing protection to the delicate internal structures of your eye. You will be under the care of your surgical team, and they will ensure the correct and safe administration of BSS Plus as part of your treatment.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- BSS Plus
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Good to know
Prescription eye medicine — use only as directed by a qualified ophthalmologist. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. This is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
Precautions & side effects
Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) is a prescription eye medicine intended for hospital use only and is administered by qualified ophthalmologists. It is specifically preferred for longer intraocular procedures, where its protective properties are most beneficial. As it is administered by a specialist during surgery, you do not need to worry about self-administration or specific precautions related to home use. Your ophthalmologist will determine if BSS Plus is the appropriate solution for your specific surgical needs. Always remember that this page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription. Do not self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. This solution is given only by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use.
Understanding Eye Conditions and Your Treatment
At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we understand that facing an eye surgery can bring many questions and concerns. We are here to provide you with clear, helpful information about your treatment. Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) is a vital part of certain eye surgeries. To understand its role, it helps to know a little about eye conditions that might require surgery. Many eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal problems, may eventually require surgical intervention to restore or preserve your vision. These surgeries are delicate procedures that involve working inside the eye. During such operations, maintaining a stable and healthy environment within the eye is paramount. This is where specialized solutions like BSS Plus come into play. Your ophthalmologist will explain your specific condition and why surgery is recommended, ensuring you have a full understanding of your treatment plan. We encourage you to ask any questions you may have about your diagnosis and the proposed surgical procedure. Our goal is to ensure you feel informed and comfortable every step of the way.
General Advice for Eye Medicine and Hygiene
While Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) is used during surgery and not for home use, it’s always good to be aware of general eye care practices, especially if you will be using other eye medicines before or after your surgery, such as eye drops or ointments. Proper hygiene is crucial to prevent infections. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eyes or any eye medicine. Avoid touching the tip of any eye drop bottle or ointment tube to your eye or any other surface, as this can contaminate the medicine. If you are prescribed eye drops, tilt your head back, gently pull down your lower eyelid to form a small pocket, and instill the prescribed number of drops without letting the bottle touch your eye. Close your eye gently for a minute or two to allow the medicine to absorb. For ointments, apply a small ribbon into the lower eyelid pocket. If you use multiple eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes between different types of drops to ensure each medicine has time to work effectively. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions for any post-operative eye care, including how to clean your eye area and when to use any prescribed medications.
When to Seek Medical Help
Your journey with Pristine Eye Hospitals doesn’t end after your surgery. We are committed to your complete recovery and long-term eye health. After any eye surgery, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort, redness, or sensitivity to light. However, it’s crucial to know when to seek immediate medical attention. If you experience any sudden or severe pain, a significant decrease in vision, new floaters or flashes of light, increasing redness, swelling, discharge from the eye, or if you develop a fever, contact your ophthalmologist or the hospital immediately. These could be signs of a complication that requires prompt assessment and treatment. Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment if you notice any concerning symptoms. Always keep your follow-up appointments as scheduled, as these are vital for your doctor to monitor your healing and ensure the best possible outcome. Remember, your health and vision are our top priority, and our team is always here to support you.
Frequently asked questions
What is Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) used for?
Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) is a special liquid used by eye surgeons during longer eye operations. Its main purpose is to irrigate the eye and protect the delicate tissues inside, especially during extended surgical procedures.
How does Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) work?
BSS Plus works by providing a stable and protective environment inside the eye during surgery. It's a physiological solution, similar to the natural fluids in your body, and contains special ingredients like bicarbonate and glutathione. These components help to protect the sensitive cells and tissues within your eye, particularly the corneal endothelium, from damage during the surgical process.
What are the common Indian brands for this medicine?
The brand for this medicine is BSS Plus.
How is Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) used?
Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) is not for self-use. It is administered by an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) in a hospital or clinic setting during eye surgery. It is used for continuous irrigation throughout the surgical procedure to keep the eye protected.
Do I need a prescription for Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus)?
Yes, Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) is a prescription eye medicine. It is only used by specialists in a hospital or clinic setting and is never for self-use. Your ophthalmologist will decide if it is needed for your surgery.
What precautions should I be aware of with Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus)?
The main precaution is that Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) is specifically preferred for longer intraocular procedures. It is a hospital-use medicine administered by qualified ophthalmologists. You do not need to take any personal precautions as it is not for home use. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding your surgery and post-operative care.
References
- Omidria, INN-phenylephrine hydrochloride / ketorolac trometamol – European Medicines Agency
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.